The physical world we see today that are important to our day to day life, one might probably think the work of Civil Engineer. The combined system consisting of single-family homes to megastructures like skyscrapers, roads and railways, tunnels and bridges, airport and airways, water supply and water resources, wastewater and solid waste treatment and disposal, electric power generation and transmission are must to the societal demand. Without the support of infrastructure facilities, all economic activities slow down.  Of course, civil engineers are the backbones of any nation in creating a robust infrastructure to boost its economy.

Looking at the type of infrastructure and the nature of work involved, Civil Engineering itself is divided into numerous other sub-disciplines such as Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Hydraulics and Water Resources Engineering, Construction Engineering, etc. All these discipline skills need to be integrated into the project for its success.

The Indian construction industry is growing like never before. The Planning Commission of India has already projected a huge investment in infrastructure in the coming years. India is going to be a land of opportunities for many local and foreign investors in this sector. Looking at the vast subsets of Civil Engineering and the scope of employment in this sector it’s obvious for a fresh Civil Engineering graduate to ask themselves an uneasy question what next for them? Which sub-discipline of Civil Engineering do they need to choose as a career path? Does this discipline take me to a Managerial/Executive position? And further growth in that sub-discipline and so on…

MBA in Construction Project Management: Why and what it is?

Every sub-discipline of Civil Engineering whether it is Structural Engineering or Water Resource Engineering is equally important in creating world-class infrastructure and urban development and has a specific role in the project life cycle right from the concept stage to handing over of the project to the client. For example, the Structural Engineer shall involve in the structural design of the project once the concept and architectural designs are finalized. So their major contribution is during the Concept and Pre-construction stage of the project life cycle. However, once the design is completed their role is very minimal in the remaining stages of the project. Such disciplines are more focused on the technical aspects and not the management aspect of the project. For example, a structural design firm with the advancement of tech tools can handle multiple projects with just a handful of experts. Their career growth is slow and for years and years, they may work as a junior structural engineer or senior structural engineer. Same is the case with other sub-disciplines of Civil Engineering as well. This leads to minimum employment opportunities.

However, there is one sub-discipline of Civil Engineering which integrates with all other sub-disciplines right from the concept stage to the completion of the project is the ‘Construction Project Management.’

The success of any project is being judged based on Cost, Quality and Time have changed over time to include; Micro and Macro viewpoints, Stakeholder satisfaction, reduced Conflicts & Disputes and Environmental friendliness, Sustainability, etc... have a major role to play.

So, MBA in Construction Project Management is a multi-disciplinary stream of specialisation focusing on Tools, Techniques, Methods & Management, Risk aspects, Development aspects, Statutory requirements, Legal Framework, Business Environment, Infrastructure, Funds and Finance, Valuation, Marketing, etc. The MBA in Construction Project Management course equips the students with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to manage People and Projects within the Construction industry.

Looking at the multidisciplinary roles that associated with MBA in Construction Project Management shall play an edge over other sub-disciplines of Civil Engineering in terms of career growth, good remuneration and a significant impact on the welfare of the society. I am of an opinion that the young generation must capture this opportunity to make career in this sector which will become world’s third largest construction market by 2025.